Anaesthesiology

WHO IS IT FOR:

The service is available for pets and farm animals, as well as exotic animals, including those in critical condition.

Each patient receives individual care from the pre-operative clinical examination, through the intra-operative period, until they have fully recovered, making this unit the most comprehensive of all hospital departments.

Particularly during the pre-operative phase, the collaboration of the owner will be essential for the specialist veterinary surgeon present.

SERVICES OFFERED:

• Sedation
• Pain management
• Use of advanced analgesic techniques, including loco-regional
• Administration of gaseous and injectable anaesthesia
• Equipment for respiratory support
• Cardiovascular and respiratory monitoring during anaesthesia
• Support in gently accompanying the patient towards the end of life

OUR STAFF:

• HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT: Prof. Luca Bellini
• Prof. Giulia Maria De Benedictis
• Dr Massimo Bucci
• Dr Martina Cardinali
• Dr Perla Cardinali
• Dr Marco Vassanelli

  Cardiology

WHO IT IS FOR:

For practice owners or freelance colleagues seeking diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in animals. Access to services may include an initial cardiology consultation—for example, following the detection of a heart murmur—or a second opinion for those wishing to seek specialist cardiology support.

SERVICES OFFERED: The unit offers specific tests and diagnostic techniques to diagnose abnormalities in the heart’s electrical and/or mechanical activity, in order to subsequently identify the best treatment for the patient. These include:

• Standard electrocardiography
• Chest X-ray
• Echocardiography (2D, M-mode, Doppler)
• Holter monitoring
• Cardiological assessment for breed screening, to identify and prevent the transmission of genetically-based heart diseases
• Pre-operative cardiological assessment

OUR STAFF:

• HEAD OF THE UNIT: Prof. Carlo Guglielmini
• Prof. Helen Poser
• Dr Carlotta Valente
• Dr Giulia Arcuri
• Dr Caterina Perini

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS:

To make an appointment and use the services of this Operational Unit, please contact our Veterinary Surgeons at the following email address: cardiologia.ovud@unipd.it

  Clinical nutrition

WHO IT IS FOR:

The Clinical Nutrition Unit is available both to pet owners seeking nutritional advice for their dog or cat, and to veterinary surgeons who need to adapt their patients’ diets to suit various physiological and pathological conditions.

SERVICES OFFERED:

• Assessment of maintenance and therapeutic diets and their rationing
• Formulation of personalised home-cooked diets or mixed diets for healthy patients or those with medical conditions
• Assessment of dietary supplements
• Nutritional support for hospitalised patients
• Weight loss plans
• Growth plans for puppies and kittens
• Consultancy for companies on dog and cat nutrition

OUR STAFF:

• HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT: Prof. Rebecca Ricci
• Dr Chiara Maria Peripolli

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS:

To make an appointment and use the services of this department, please contact our veterinary surgeons at the following email address: nutrizione.ovud@unipd.it

  Dermatology

WHO IT IS FOR:
OVUD's Dermatology Unit specialises in the treatment of skin conditions in pets, both conventional and non-conventional. A dermatological consultation takes place following a request for an appointment by the owner or by a vet seeking a second opinion.

SERVICES OFFERED: Patients may undergo routine outpatient, dermatological and ear examinations, for example:

• Trichogram
• Skin scraping
• Skin and earwax cytology
• Samples for bacteriological, cytological and allergy culture tests
• Skin biopsy
• Video otoscopy
• Ear cleaning
• Skin biopsies

OUR STAFF:

• HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT: Prof. Helen Poser
• Prof. Michele Berlanda

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS:

To book an appointment and make use of the services offered by this Department, please contact our Veterinary Surgeons at the following email address: dermatologia.ovud@unipd.it

  Diagnostic Imaging

WHO IT IS FOR:

The Diagnostic Imaging Unit supports the hospital’s other departments, as well as pet owners and private veterinary practitioners in the local area who require a second opinion or advanced diagnostic investigations. Imaging techniques provide OVUD’s veterinary surgeons with essential information for diagnosis and the subsequent treatment to be adopted.

SERVICES OFFERED: the department’s activities cover companion animals, exotic animals and equines. The diagnostic imaging services provided include:

• Multi-slice Computed Tomography (CT)
• Digital Radiography
• Fluoroscopy
• Abdominal and non-cardiac thoracic ultrasound

OUR STAFF:

• HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT: Prof. Tommaso Banzato
• Prof. Alessandro Zotti
• Dr Silvia Burti
• Dr Giorgia Bison
• Dr Polina Zemko
• Dr Nicolò Mastromattei

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS:

The Radiology Unit’s services are available during the usual opening hours of the OVUD outpatient clinics: Monday to Friday, from 08.30 to 18.00.

  Diagnostic Lab

WHO IT IS FOR:

The Diagnostic Lab carries out the tests required by the veterinary surgeon to reach a diagnosis. The service, based within the Hospital, also provides support to external veterinary surgeons who are unable to conduct certain types of tests at their own facilities. The tests carried out by the laboratory staff cover companion animals (both conventional and exotic), livestock and equines.

SERVICES OFFERED: The services offered by the Diagnostic Unit include haematology, clinical biochemistry, coagulation and immunological tests to support diagnostic work. These include:

• Complete blood count and blood smear examination
• Clinical biochemistry profiles
• Serum protein electrophoresis
• Blood gas analysis and electrolytes
• Hormone profiles
• Haemostasis assessment
• Complete urinalysis
• Complete examination of effusion fluids

The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, such as:

• Haematology analyser: ADVIA 120 SIEMENS
• Clinical biochemistry analyser: BT3500 BIOTECNICA
• Gel electrophoresis: HYDRASIS SEBIA
• Coagulation analyser: COATRON M1 TECO
• Blood gas analyser: EDAN i15
• CLIA Analyser: IMMULITE SIEMENS
• ELISA Analyser: SUNRISE TEC

OUR STAFF:

• HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT: Dr Federico Bonsembiante
• Dr Silvia Bedin
• Dr Luana Filippa Mellia

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS:

To access the diagnostic service, you must visit OVUD on the days the laboratory is open: Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 18.00.

  Equine

WHO IT IS FOR:

The Equine Unit is aimed at owners, breeders and veterinary surgeons seeking an initial consultation or a specialist second opinion on various aspects of equine medicine, including reproductive, medical and surgical care.

SERVICES OFFERED: the Unit offers veterinary care and specialist treatment for horses of all ages and health conditions, ensuring a personalised and comprehensive approach to every clinical and management need. Services include:

• Regular check-ups and examinations
• Specialist consultations
• Elective surgical procedures
• Emergency or urgent surgery
• Hospitalisation and accommodation in facilities and spaces suited to their physiological and pathological conditions: equipped stalls, round pens and paddocks, a dedicated operating theatre for large animals, and a pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery room
• Intensive care
• Interdisciplinary services in collaboration with other hospital departments: echocardiology, neurology, dermatology […]

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT: Dr Giulia Forni

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS:

Access to services is also available on an emergency basis, subject to prior contact with Dr Giulia Forni, Head of the Department, on +39 347 436 3938.

  Internal Medicine

WHO IT IS FOR:

The Internal Medicine Unit deals with the diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases that require a medical approach. The approach followed is that of Evidence-Based Medicine, which allows the veterinarian’s experience to be combined with a critical review of the available medical literature and the specific needs of the patient.

SERVICES OFFERED: Our veterinary surgeons offer specialist consultations to private practice colleagues seeking a second opinion, and are available to pet owners requesting a specialist examination for their animal. The services offered include:

• Vaccinations
• Blood sampling
• Internal medicine and oncology consultations
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Videoendoscopy (respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts)
• Glucose curve
• Other services relating to gastroenterology, nephrology, urology, endocrinology and oncology in small animals

The approach adopted by the doctors in this unit is known as POA (Problem-Oriented Approach). The primary focus, represented by ‘what is observed’, is the key to identifying the causes of the problem, reaching the correct diagnosis and determining the subsequent treatment. The guiding principle is Evidence-Based Medicine, an approach that allows the doctor’s experience to be integrated with a critical understanding of the available medical literature and the patient’s specific needs.

OUR STAFF:

• HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT: Prof. Carlo Guglielmini
• Prof. Helen Poser
• Prof. Michele Berlanda
• Dr Eric Zini
• Dr Roberta Di Maggio
• Dr Benedetta Sacchetto
• Dr Caterina Perini

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS:

For appointments regarding cancer patients (Dr B. Sacchetto), please email: oncologia.ovud@unipd.it

  Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

WHO IT IS FOR:

The Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Unit is responsible for the identification and typing of microorganisms in biological samples taken from companion animals and livestock. The activities of the Microbiology Unit enable the diagnosis of bacterial and viral infectious diseases in animals using samples provided directly by owners or taken from patients.

SERVICES OFFERED:

• Isolation and identification of bacteria using traditional diagnostic techniques and the performance of antibiotic susceptibility tests (Kirby-Bauer and MIC);
• Detection and identification of pathogens (bacteria and viruses) using PCR and rt-PCR, and their characterisation via sequencing;
• Serological tests for the diagnosis of infectious diseases in companion animals.

OUR STAFF:

• HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT: Prof. Daniela Pasotto
• Prof. Maria Luisa Menandro
• Dr Claudia Maria Tucciarone
• Dr Alessandra Mondin
• Dr Giorgia Dotto

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS:

• To access the services of this Operational Unit, samples must be delivered to the OVUD office during the following hours: Monday to Friday, 08.30 am –3:00 pm.
• The hospital reception and the technical staff on duty will ensure that the sample is delivered to the laboratory.
• Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Agripolis Campus - 1st floor, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro (PD)
• For further information: Tel. Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Laboratory: 049 827 2972 | 049 827 2616 | laboratorio.malattieinfettive@unipd.it

  Neurology

WHO IT IS FOR:

The Neurology Unit provides services for companion animals. Neurology services are reserved for urgent cases admitted via Emergency Care or for those who have booked an appointment with the relevant veterinary surgeons. The Unit also works closely with local colleagues who wish to seek a second opinion or refer neurological cases.

SERVICES OFFERED: The neurological services offered by OVUD include:

• Clinical services: neurological examination
• Digital radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, in collaboration with the Radiology Unit
• Electrodiagnostic tests: electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing
• Audiometric tests (BAER) for the diagnosis of unilateral or bilateral deafness
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling
• Spinal neurosurgery

OUR STAFF:

• HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT: Prof. Marco Bernardini
• Dr Irene Trevisan

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS:

To make an appointment and use the services of this Operational Unit, please contact our Veterinary Surgeons at the following email address: neurologia.ovud@unipd.it

  Ophthalmology and odontostomatology

WHO IT IS FOR:

The Ophthalmology and and odontostomatology Unit deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of various conditions affecting the oral cavity in both large and small animals. Our services are aimed at pet owners or private veterinary practitioners seeking a second opinion or specialist advice, as well as emergency patients attending the Emergency Care Unit.

SERVICES OFFERED:

• Diagnostic and therapeutic activities aimed at improving the quality of life of conventional and non-conventional companion animals, livestock and equines.
• Diagnosis and subsequent treatment recommendations for ocular conditions
• Diagnostic tests to assess the cornea and ocular adnexa (fluorescein, STT, rose bengal, etc.)
• Measurement of intraocular pressure
• Assessment of the iridocorneal angle
• Direct or indirect examination using a video-ophthalmoscope and ocular ultrasound
• Treatment of periodontal diseases and dental conditions, diagnosis of oral neoplasms and other lesions involving the oral cavity

OUR STAFF:

• HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT: Prof. Anna Perazzi
• Dr Domenico Multari

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS:

To book an appointment and make use of the services offered by this Department, please contact our Veterinary Surgeons at mail: anna.perazzi@unipd.it

  Orthopaedics and traumatology

WHO IT IS FOR:

The Orthopaedics and Traumatology Unit carries out clinical assessments, diagnoses and treatment of orthopaedic conditions, either by appointment or directly for injured animals brought to the Emergency Care Unit of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

SERVICES OFFERED: the activities of the Orthopaedics and Traumatology Unit include:

• Diagnostic activities and treatments
• Orthopaedic consultations for an initial specialist assessment
• Surgical reconstruction following tendon and ligament injuries, treatment of fractures of the appendicular skeleton, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopies

OUR STAFF:

• HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT: Dr Parastoo Memarian
• Dr Matteo Rigo

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS:

To book an appointment and make use of the services offered by this Department, please contact our Veterinary Surgeons at the following email address: ortopedia.ovud@unipd.it

  Parasitology and parasitic diseases

WHO IT IS FOR:

The Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Unit provides laboratory diagnostic services, consultancy and technical-scientific support to veterinary surgeons working at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

SERVICES OFFERED:

Diagnostic activities include the analysis of faecal, blood and skin samples (hair, skin scrapings) as well as various organ samples. The stages of detection, quantification and isolation, carried out in different and specific ways for each type of investigation, enable OVUD veterinarians to make the correct diagnosis and thus determine the best treatment for the parasitic diseases present.

OUR STAFF:

• HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT: Prof. Giulia Simonato
• Prof. Rudi Cassini
• Prof. Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono
• Prof. Federica Marcer
• Dr Erica Marchiori
• Dr Alessia Zoroaster
• Dr Giorgia Dotto
• Dr Cinzia Tessarin
• Dr Anna Maurizio

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS:

• To make an appointment and use the services of this Operational Unit, please contact our veterinary surgeons at the following email address: cinzia.tessarin@unipd.it | giorgia.dotto@unipd.it
• Days and times for using the service: Monday to Friday from 08:30 am to 4:00 pm.

  Reproduction

WHO IT IS FOR:

The staff of the Reproduction Unit offer their expertise to OVUD clients and private practitioners who wish to refer cases involving companion animals and exotic animals; they are also available to treat urgent cases in the Veterinary A&E department.

SERVICES OFFERED:

• Gynaecology, female reproductive disorders and artificial insemination: Monitoring of the oestrus cycle and optimal timing of mating, artificial insemination
• Diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the genital and mammary systems
• Genital surgery (castrations and surgical treatment of disorders)
• Supporting diagnostics (cytology, ultrasound, endoscopy)
• Diagnosis, management and treatment of infertility
• Obstetrics and neonatology: diagnosis and monitoring of pregnancy, assistance with natural birth, medical and surgical management of dystocia, neonatal surgery
• Andrology and male reproductive pathology
• Collection and evaluation of semen samples

OUR STAFF:

• HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT: Prof. Antonio Mollo
• Prof. Stefano Romagnoli
• Prof. Chiara Milani
• Dr Giulia Contato
• Dr Maria Carlos Pereira

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS: To access the services of this Operational Unit, please book an appointment by calling the hospital reception on +39 049 827 2608, who will put you in touch with the relevant veterinary surgeon

• Opening hours for visiting the clinic and booking appointments: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
• For further information: Tel. 049 827 2608 | centro.ovud@unipd.it

  Ruminants

WHO IT IS FOR:

The Ruminant Unit provides consultancy services, preventive medicine, reproductive medicine, internal medicine and clinical husbandry services for cattle, sheep, goats and camelids.

SERVICES OFFERED: the activities of the Ruminant Unit include:

• Hospitalisation at the OVUD facilities and/or directly on the farm
• Outreach service to local farms (up to 300 km from the OVUD) carried out using a mobile clinic
• Diagnostic imaging (radiography, ultrasound, thermal imaging and rigid and flexible endoscopy)
• Collection of biological samples for subsequent examination in the Diagnostic Lab Unit
• Clinical activities concerning the health and reproductive management of ruminants, specialist diagnostic investigations into metabolic and nutritional disorders

OUR STAFF:

• HEAD OF THE SERVICE: Prof. Matteo Gianesella
• Prof. Enrico Fiore
• Prof. Calogero Stelletta
• Dr Anastasia Lisuzzo
• Dr Giorgia Taio
• Dr Enrico Dalle Palle

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS:

• To make an appointment and use the services of this Operational Unit, please contact our veterinary surgeons at the following email address: ruminanti.ovud@unipd.it
• Opening hours for the clinic and the Mobile Clinic: Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 pm

  Soft Tissue Surgery

WHO IS IT FOR:

The Soft Tissue Surgery Unit specialises in general and specialist surgery for companion animals. The service is available to pet owners and private veterinary practitioners seeking a second opinion or specialist advice.

SERVICES OFFERED: Our services cover the diagnosis and surgical treatment of various conditions and include:

• General surgery
• Surgery of the oesophagus, stomach and intestines
• Surgery of the urinary tract
• Surgery of the liver, bile ducts and spleen
• Head and neck surgery (ear, salivary glands, thyroid and parathyroid glands)
• Thoracic surgery
• Oncological surgery
• Reconstructive plastic surgery

OUR STAFF: The unit’s team works alongside specialists in diagnostic imaging, anaesthesia and resuscitation, oncology and internal medicine, as well as highly qualified technical staff.

• HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT: Prof. Michele Berlanda
• Dr Biagio Rametta
• Dr Giulia Contato

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS:

• The unit has 3 operating theatres and 1 intensive care unit for monitoring patients who have undergone complex surgical procedures. Patients who are not treated on an outpatient basis are admitted to the facility for as long as necessary.
• To make an appointment and use the services of this unit, please contact our veterinary surgeons at the following email address: chirurgia.ovud@unipd.it

  Veterinary Pathological Anatomy

WHO IS IT FOR:

The service is aimed at pet owners who wish to use the service privately or following the admission of their animal after stabilisation in the Emergency Care Unit.

Private veterinary practitioners, as well as public and private organisations, also have access to the services offered by the pathological anatomy unit.

SERVICES OFFERED:

• Morphological and immunological investigations on cytological and biopsy samples, as well as on the carcasses of companion animals (both conventional and non-conventional) and farm animals.
• Cytology, histology and flow cytometry services, which are important for establishing a diagnosis and provide useful guidance for subsequent treatment.
• Post-mortem diagnostic service, conducted via necropsy, enabling the causes of the animal’s death to be determined.

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT: Prof. Valentina Zappulli

USEFUL INFORMATION:

• Samples for examination at the Veterinary Pathology Unit may be delivered on the following days and times: Monday to Friday, from 09.00 to 15.00.
• Reports can be collected by registering on the website http://www.simbavet.org or by emailing the following address: referti@simbavet.org.
• For further information, please call: +39 049 827 2507.